Campaign of the Month:
February 2014

Regnum

Tadje's Battles at Baalgor

Leena’s realm was still and quite. Its artifical peace seemed to draw me away from reality. The green grass composing the island seemed more vibrant and alive. The waters surrounding her personal island were clearer and sparkled more it seemed than water in the real world. I suppose this was because the real world was so dark at this moment, so distant, and bleak. Or maybe, since Leena’s realm was a reflection of her desires and dreams, her world was more alive because this was what she wanted our world to look like. Whatever the reason, her astral realm clouded my desires to ever return to the destruction that was upon Regnum at this time.

Then I saw the chest; it seemed out of place in this paradise. Its sides were worn and weathered. It was made of wood, but covered with stretched geckomander hide. Tanned into the leather were subtle sigils, that I had not noticed before. The metal hinges, latch, and corner-pieces were constructed of a silver-alloy. They were of a gothic-dwarven design, inorganic and harsh reflective of the world of its craftsman.

The last I had opened the box, I was in the grand study aboard the Chaaya’s Quest. As I remember, it was filled with scrolls, some protected in bamboo cylinders; each were very old. It smelled of a sweet, yet bitter aroma, similar to fresh cut pine, mingled with dust. Its previous owners, a clan of chthonic dwarves, instructed us in two things regarding the chest. First, it contained all they knew regarding the soul-heisted sword once known as Blacksword. And second, it could not be taken to Baalgor Island, for if it did, it would violently exploded.

It was for this last reason that I was interested in the chest. My world was under attack. This chest could drive back this attack—-violent as necessary.

“Leena, once I have the chest ready you’ll need to open a portal on to one of those big black-sailed ships.” I said as I allowed the thin cords to magically unravel from around my arms. Masters Khinsed and Rhavamanthys both said I had a knack for Rope Magic. Like snakes, these rope bodies slithered down my arms, and over to the heavy chest. Their tips began to unravel, working their way beneath the leather base like thousands of fiberous fingers. Then with the whisper of a magical command, the fibers came back together in four strongly weaved cords. The snaking bodies wrapped around the frame of the box, holding it tightly.

“Tadje, do you really think this will work?” Leena asked readying herself to open her portal.

The ropes then grabbed ahold of two crystal pillars where Leena would open the portal. The ropes formed a slingshot-like device, ready to throw the chest once the portal was opened. As my fists tighted, so did all the cords. A surge of potential energy passed through all the ropes. Visual tension could be seen as the ropes snapped with power.

“It has to work, Leena. There’s no other way.” Sweat beaded up on my brow despite the perfect temperature kept in Leena’s realm. I could feel the tension building up in my own body, too. “It’s ready, m’Lady.”

With that signal, Leena stretched forth her hands with fingers clawing the air. She pulled her hands apart, and as she did so the air ripped open in a course purple light. A sour smell of ozone poured out of the air. From the violet light a window opened. The window peeled back until a rectangular opening measuring about ten feet high and ten feet wide. It stood erect between the two pillars.

I was just about to command the ropes to fling the box into the real world, when, “WAIT!” Leena shouted to me.

“Its Chen!” She exclaimed.

My muscles contorted from holding all the pressure; but my stomach twisted more violently. I had nearly sent our secret-filled friend to oblivion. We had just learned that Dr. Kwatltal was not a yin-lord, but instead a mighty Chiang-ku dragon. He had been parading around in the guise of a lowly yin-lord this whole. I am not sure why he did not trust us with this secret until now, but at the moment he was aboard one of the black-sailed ships fighting a handful of Baal-rogs laying quick vengence into them. His elongated body had one wrapped in his coils, while a second and third were being attacked by all six clawed-hands.

Chen had to move, or else he would be obliterated. Leena called from the portal.

“Doctor! Quick, through here!”

The Doctor wheeled around to see us standing just a stone’s throw through the hovering window. He recognized Leena’s realm immediately. He understood Leena’s call instantly. He tossed the coiled Baal-rog causing it to barrel-row towards Chen’s other two assailants. The three Baal-rogs toppled over to the blackened deck of the ship like a triad of Dwarven bowling pins. Chen leapt into the portal with the surprising agility of a cat, rather than the gainliness of a beached whale one would assume from his long body.

As his tail pass through the portal, Leena and I both saw it; I would have described it as something wonderous and beautiful, if not for the sinking feeling in my stomach that warned me of its emminent doom. We saw the clouded sky light up with exuberant amounts of color and brilliance. Then from this irridescent blanket of clouds something pierced through with a white fire brighter than the Regnum sun. Its candescence was so bright that it seemed to steal all the color in the world that I could see through the portal window.

All became a drab white and gray, as the star-like object torpedoed to the earth with tremendous haste. It took three beats of my heart for it to descend to the waters beneath. When it hit, I felt my heart skip a beat. Even though it was distant, before I saw the explosion that errupted from its impact, I could feel its incredible pull like a magnetic force.

Then it errupted; or better said, HE errupted. As I later learned from the Ursen Shamans of whom commune with the Mother of this world, Mimir was this falling star. He had given both soul and body to be wielded as a weapon in Uwa’s hands. As his soul united with Hers, sky merged with earth, and all was silent for a brief moment as Regnum stood still. Then came a purging wall of heat and fury. From the portal’s mouth, Leena’s realm began to bubble and peel away!

“Leena! The portal!” I cried to the Grey Lady.

My cry shook her from her stupor as she looked upon the brilliance qickly approaching like 10,000 converging ley-line storms. She blinked to wetten her dried eyes, scorched by the very heat. Then, with a wave of her hands the portal closed as quickly as the beat of the wing of a Tristinean humming bird. But, it was not soon enough!

A force so strong pierced through just as the portal was the size of a pin hole. It blew us back, knocking out my wind as I landed on the grassy ground. I struggled to regain my breath. Then breathing deeply, I lay there in the stillness. All was quiet again.

Yet, if we could listen at that very moment upon Regnum, we would have witnessed the sound of ten’s of thousands of victims screaming in a wave with their last breath as the heat consumed their corporal frames. If that pin hole were to have remained open, it would have be just large enough to push through the stench of death from the quickly desicating bodies as they turned sublimely to ash. The sweet roasting smells of the oaken sky-vessles with black sails would not have been aromatic enough to quell the acrid smell exploding from that pin hole. No, the putrifying sizzles and popping of tendons would also have caused our frames to shake with madness, frightening us to the bone. But alas, we were safe. Leena’s quick reposte had saved us from a most awful demise.

We feared opening the portal again, not so afraid of the destruction that could enter in, but more a fear of the destruction that we would find. Yet, we had to return. We could not just stay and hide. It was a thing of honor. Leena resolute as she had been during the Fall of Badenfel stood afront the pillars and parted the air once more. We all held our breath.

We were surprisingly greeted with a blast of cooling mist. From several hundred feet above the earth our portal gave quite a vista. The black-sailed ship was no more. A light fog was rising up from the sea, but disipating quickly. Huge undulating waves spread from an epicenter down in the sea below. Drodd’s army had been carried to and fro, most were destroyed.

A large portion of the surviving ships had been thrown like toys to the northern coast of Baalgor Island. They now lay in a wreckage near Nothton. With the aid of a farseer tube, I could see that the survivng horde were disembarking upon Northton with a course to lay siege upon the Golden Tower.

“Leena, we must stay with the plan. Can you open a portal upon that ship, near their center?” I gave her the farseer tube to see the target.

“I think so.” She said a bit shaken still.

She then closed the current portal. As I readied the chest one more time, Leena opened her portal about ten feet above the deck of that ship. She caused the portal to open horizontally so that whatever came out would drop down upon the deck. Once open, I contorted my muscles pushing power into my magic cords snapping them into motion. The ropes holding fast the the edges of the chest, threw the awkward object through the window. Once clear of the portal, Leena clapped her outstretch hands collapsing the portal just as the chest began to surge with cracks of light, and the sigils were glowing red hot.

Silence, again.

Leena opened the portal just outside the Golden Tower facing north. Even without a farseer tube the flames and smoke rising from the ships could be seen. Satisfied with our victory over the black sailed ships, we turned our focus towards Drodd.

“I feel like Drodd is my destiny.” Chen boasted. “I have a wiley urge that the Dragon Gods have called me forth to destroy him.”

“I do not doubt your enthusiasm and zeal, my friend,” I said, still somewhat unsure of our friendship and his temperment, as all of this seemed quite uncharacteristic of the Doctor. “But I fear, all that means nothing if we are unable to find Drodd.”

“Tadje is right, Master Chen,” Leena added. “We are not even sure if Drodd ever was among these legions.”

“No, he is here!” Demanded Chen. “I can feel it. Kym-Nak-Mar would not place me here at this time, if Drodd were not here. I am telling you. It is my destiny to place these hands around his throat.”

“Is that why you were prancing around so carelessly on the demon ships?” I asked somewhat distainfully.

“I was looking for Drodd!” Chen defended his actions.

“You almost got yourself killed!” I began to get heated.

“More than YOU would ever do, Taj!” He said my name with a haughtiness, like a noble speaking to a surf. “Unlike you, I was created in the image of Kym-Nak-Mar, born from greatness, destined for greatness. I see more clearly now. I shall pass through thoses Arches clothed in glory and light. I am done sitting back, while mortals do nothing to stop this great evil…”

“Nothing!” I cut him off. “If it weren’t for Leena and I, you’d be a fried kabob right now! You and all your secrets would be lost for all eternity.”

“I would have just teleported to safety…”

I was about to take Niveos and shove it where it would feel the least comfortable for the Doctor, giving him a chilly prostate examine.

“STOPTHISYOUTWO!” Leena stepped between us just before I did something I would regret. She spoke with a voice like an ancient demi-god, possibly aided by Savina, or maybe an ability from her changeling heritage. Both Chen and I were constrained to speak or move as we were somewhat struck with a feeling of awe or fear.

“This is NOT the time for arguments and bickering! The two of you are behaving like children.”

“But he started…” Chen and I spoke in unison, but were both silence in unison as well.

“ENOUGH!” Leena threatened. “Do you hear yourselves? But he started it? What matters is that our home, our families, our lives are in jeopardy right now by a manical madman who cares very little, as I do, WHOSTARTEDTHISARGUMENT!”

I had never see Lady Leena this angry before. It was eye now blinking my dry eyes from the scorch of her wrath. I wished at that moment that I had my own astral realm to retreat to. I noticed that the perfect sunny day in her realm had suddenly become overcasted with gray angry clouds. Remembering that I was a guest in her omnipotent realm by her request, I quickly switched tactics.

“Leena you’re right. Chen, I am sorry. I was out of line. Please forgive me.”

“It is I that should apologize, Master Tadje. Ever since Fikir Tayfa I have not felt right. I do not know why, but lately I have been given to much rage. I felt that this rage would be cured if I were to confront Drodd. My fight with the Baal-rogs was testament to this treatment.”

“Good, boys. Now—how do we find Drodd.” Leena asked, more at ease.

“As funny as this may sound,” proposed Chen, “if we were to send a pidgeon to ‘Drodd on Baalgor Island’, it would fly to his destination.”

“Right!” I interjected. “I could tie a magic tracking string to it, too. This way I could know exactly where it went, and where it delivered its message. But what message do we send? We need to still perserve the element of surprise.”

“We send, ‘All is lost! Troops are falling back!’” Chen answered.

“Brilliant, my friend!” I praised. “Not only do we keep the surprise, but we put him off guard.”

“Now see? Was that too hard?” Leena chided motherly-like. “Hugs?”

“How ’bout I cast the Pidgeon spell instead?” Chen jested.

“When its ready place this in its beak.” I handed a string I pulled from my pocket. It looked like an ordinary string. But, it had been imbued with powerful magic that was strong enough to permeate even through interdimensions. “Rhavamanthys help me in designing this spell. It should do the trick.”

“Er, you know Rhavamanthys had some curious items that could have help us at this time. One he called a ‘Boom-Cannon’. He said he won it off of a silver-clad knight in another world. He said it could fire a blast so powerful it could level a small mountain.”

“Uh, yeah,” I played along, “that could really help us take down Drodd.”

Feeling a bit uneasy fro Leena’s gaze, Chen took the string and placed it into the beak of the magic pidgeon he had just created. The pidgeon circled up around the Golden Tower then descended somewhere near the Great Dome, the entrance to the citadel housing the Obelisk. It didn’t take a magic string to know where Drodd was. We ran back through Leena’s portal so she could reroute us inside.

Just before Leena opened the next portal, I threw her one of the talismans I had created near the nexus of the Rishi’s Well outside of Galilee.

“This will turn you invisible…I think. I might have mixed them up. I do have fourty-seven of them.” I take one myself.

Leena accepts my gift, then turns to the crystal pillars again to open the portal to take us to the Hall of the Justicar. Once again she rips open the air creating a window-door into the real world. Leena and I both slip through the portal.

To our astonishment we are met in the middle of a battle. Ayden Hammerdon was dueling Ghazur Drodd. But, when we had entered the scene we witness Drodd pierce Ayden’s mystic shield touching the tip of his heinous blade to Ayden’s flesh just as Ayden caused Drodd’s right eye to explode in its very socket. From Ayden’s chest we witnessed an ethereal blue wisp be pulled forth and absorbed into Drodd’s blade! I had witnessed this same event upon the death of Rem the Arudanni archer. Ayden had lost his soul!

I stood agape, as if all was lost. Then from nowhere Graegga the dwarfess darted out of the shadows hitting Drodd square in the back. Her hit produced enough force to send Drodd reeling forward over Ayden’s now limp body. Drodd sent off balance landed on the side of the Obelisk.

Now was my time to act. Knowing time was limited and that Drodd had to remain in contact with the Obelisk long enough for the Justicar to perform the ritual, thus sending Drodd’s soul inside the runic monument, I commanded my enchanted ropes to fly across the great hall. They did so as quick as I could move my own hands. Then with another command they wrapped around the black pyramid bimding Drodd in a checkmate. For assured measures I cast a spell to harden the ropes to something stronger than steel.

Voice all round me from different people all yelled, “NOW Justicar!” The Daedal Justicar dove at the Obelisk placing his right hand at the base. He shout the words:

The runes engraven on the monument suddenly glowed a course white. Light also suddenly burst from Drodd’s left eye, then from his mouth, the ears. Soon Drodd’s entire body was emitting a course white light. The figure of his body then slow became absorbed into the onyx stone.

His last words before being consumed entirely into the Obelisk were: “You fools! Do you think this will destroy me? Noooooooo!” Then he was gone. The cords binding him fell to the base of the monument. The great hall was silent. We had won. Drodd was no more.

Then the realization of Ayden’s sacrifice hit us. It hit me hard, sort of like Rhavamanthys’ Boom-Cannon. While everyone ran to his lifeless body, Chen being one of them to see if he could do his special light thing he jad done to Bumi once upon a time, I on the other hand just stood there looking in disbelief from across the room. Swirls of emotion filled my head. We had won, so why did I not feel victorious? If I hadn’t feuded with Chen, we might have arrived sooner to save Ayden.

It was in that moment of self-pity that Chen came over to me, he was back to his yin-lord form.

“Taj, I know what you are think.” Chen said softly. “But it wasn’t your fault. This was Drodd. And we got him. We got him.”

I tried to hold on to my anger, but I couldn’t. The tears suddenly came. I couldn’t believe I was actually crying. I suddenly couldn’t breath right either. And to top it off, I couldn’t even speak to tell Chen that I am way to manly to cry. Chen took my head awkwardly in a hug against his shoulder.

After an awkward minute or so, I finally gained control of my crying. I straightened myself. And not looking Chen in the eye, I indirectly thanked him, then wiped my wet nose on my sleeve.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Chen broke the awkward silence. “Before this battle Ayden had given this to me. I find it fitting to forward this gift to you.” He took from a satchel a large unsymmetrical globe of a fiery red and orange. The colors seemed to swirl inside the globe as if they were alive. In fact, as Chen held it out to me, the colors began swirling in a pulsing fashion synchronious with my own heart beat. I recognized the stone immediately as the gift given to Ayden by Drakkos the Ambassador and Primarch of Yin-Drakkos. But I was naïve as to what it was.

“What is it?” I asked in amazment.

“This is a fire opal.” Chen replied non-chalantly.

“What does it do?” I asked intrepidly.

“Have you ever had the desire to be something greater?”

“Is this a joke? Of course! I have always felt that I could never reach my full potential. I know this is stupid but I have always feared that my life would end before I could learn all that I was meant to learn. My father Khinsed suffered from this same wiley desire. He entered dark paths to attain longer life, for which he now is tryi g to atone for. I promised myself I would not repeat those same mistakes. So yes, I have wanted to become something greater. Is this what this is? Does it grant me greater power as a wizard?”

“Yes and no. I feel that your questions would best be answered by the gifter of the gift.”

“Drakkos?”

“Yes, didn’t he promise a dinner appointment once we had left Baalgor?”

“How do you remember that? I thought you forgot everything?”

“Well, let’s just say that things are starting to come back. So how does that dinner sound to you?”

What follows are a list of the after effects and general outcome of the Paradise Lost chain of events. I have asked the players to wait and read this, then come up with “reflecting back” style log from a month later, a year, five years, 50 years, etc. When to set it would be their choice.

So here is the list of facts about “The Aftermath of Paradise Lost”

~ One Year After: 10003 A.T. ~

Only 44% of the 1.5 Million Equitregus survived the Battle of Baalgor.

A year of mourning was announced for those that died, Urns with ashes of the dead entombed in a monument bulit around the edge of the Mimirian Crater. The multi tiered dome made up of arches large enough for Chaaya’s Quest to fly through! Within each rune carved stone of the “Dome of Fallen Heroes” is an interesting set of magical effects. ◊ The Walking Dead, Undead, Demons or Dyvals may not approach within 1 mile! ◊ On the stone containing an urn is the name of it’s occupant. If you touch it you can hear the letter written to the loved ones by the commanding officers, or family members that visit the monument! It will record for all time so the“Dome of Fallen Heroes” has become an artifact of living history! ◊ Using a permanent Eyes of Vohu Manah Spell the names can be read in every language. ◊ Their is a permanent Sanctuary spell in place for the memorial monument!

The “Dome of Fallen Heroes” was completed in 10010 A.T. and stand 3 miles tall and 150 miles in diameter. ◊ The city of Northton which had been destroyed is now replaced by the southern edge of the monument. ◊ The duties of the town have been incorporated in Southton

The Humans of Fikir Tayfa and the Guild of the Silver Cord join forces officially and begin patrolling the world for dimensional disturbances. Shifter Magic is only taught among the guild under decree of the World Council.

~ Seven Years After: 10009 A.T. ~

The Equitregus are officially made the rulers of Fikir Tayfa as the Humans have elected to claim Rajya Tayfa – Kingdom of the Mind and a huge Astral Realm as their new home!

Three Brothers Company becomes the largest company in the now thirteen Empires of the Accord. Controlling 42% of the companies that operate in Regum, including those that deal with the Astral Realm of Rajya Tayfa. ◊ Pigeon News & Accord Report is the prime method for news being spread across the nations. Many mages apply for scholarships to offset the cost of their training with the news firm.

~ Fifty Years After: 10052 A.T. ~

Guardian Forces have replaced nearly 60% of government militias/forces. Current complete totals place the combined armed forces at 6.4 million worldwide (among the nations of the Accord).

~ Fifty One Years After: 10053 A.T. ~

The Free Islands accept Guardian Control with the one caveat their trade practices remain untouched. Slavery is officially abolished in all the lands of the Accord.

~ Sixty Four Years After: 10066 A.T. ~

The Primarch Drakkos announces his health is beginning to fail and a new Primarch will come soon upon his death. There is rabid speculation as to whether it shall be a Dragon or a Yin-Lord.

~ Seventy Years After: 10072 A.T. ~

Ambassador Bhuvana, also known as Bumi passes her position to the first Equitregan Ambassador and then dies at home in winter of this year among friends and family. Queen Graegga and King Torvus are in attendance alongside the first public appearance of Dr. Chen and Master Tadje. Lady Leena, Count’s Matthias and Elijah were present as well among the dignitaries.

~ Seventy Five Years After: 10077 A.T. ~

Lord High Prefect of the Galvan Republic, Ser Magnus the Bear dies after his wife passes three months earlier. They say the monarch died of a broken heart. He is remembered for creating the very structured process for allowing Galvans to marry into other cultures and still return home to visit, conduct work, and even re-integrate back into the Galvan Republic society! The list of attendees was as long as those that turned up for Sfânt Ayden! There was a pause in the procession when the great Rascalion, himself stepped up after Lady Leena and laid a fish in the coffin of his second best friend.

~ Eighty Two Years After: 10084 A.T. ~

The Primarch Drakkos announces his nation will begin opening up research to prolong the life of those wishing to pursue such knowledge. He has no intention of taking it himself having lived for over 7,000 years! He is happy with his life, but rumors fly about the opening up of such advancements and just because they could succeed, should they even try?

~ Ninety Nine Years After: 10101 A.T. ~

In the last month of the year a dome appears to cover the centers of learning in Firam! The Primarch Drakkos dies the day before and no contact can be made within the dome that goes below ground like a pearl from a clamshell!

~ Every Year for 100 Years After: 26th of Hordad 10002 A.T. to 10102 A.T. ~

A very strange occurrence happened this first anniversary day of Sfânt Ayden’s death. Just before the break of day, at the great Rotunda that houses the Obelisk, a familiar looking raccoon showed up on the step’s, with a large smelly satchel, demanding entry. The guards knew him well, but refused him entry. He started to hiss and holler loudly at the guards. This started to attract attention of passes by. When the guards tried to detain him, the raccoon pulled out a rune weapon, hissing even louder. They balked at the site. They wanted him to stop, but did not want to harm him. They tried to reason with the small creature, to no avail. The Justicar then burst out of the doors demanding to know the meaning of such clamor. The guards started to explain, but he held up a hand silencing them at the sight of Rascal. He then held out his hand to the small being, inviting him inside. The guards were agape at this site.

Inside the Justicar said nothing, just followed him to his destination; the Obelisk. He stopped just short and sat down. He pulled a heavily salted, gutted, whole fish from his satchel, and seemed to offer it to the Obelisk, his tiny paw stretched out as far as he could reach. After a moment, he pulled it back and commenced to eat it. He looked up at the Justicar with huge saucer eyes. The Justicar looked back at him and sat next to him. Then they both proceeded to pull a fish from the satchel and offer it to the Obelisk. After another moment, they both ate the fish that they had offered. This continued for the entire day till the last crack of sunlight faded from the sky; pulling out a fish, offering it to the Obelisk, eating it whole. No words were ever spoken by either. The fish in the satchel lasted exactly long enough; not too much, not too little, the perfect amount for their ritual. All who happened to see this all thought the Justicar was losing his faculties.

The next year he showed up again, very early, but the Justicar was waiting for him this time. The same ritual as explained above was repeated exactly. They sat in front of the Obelisk at exactly sunrise; pulled out a fish, offered it, and then ate it. Speaking not a word. The amount of fish lasted exactly to sunset. This occurred year after year after year after year.

◊ This day started the same as it had for the past hundred years, Rascal showed up at the steps of the Grand Rotunda, the Justicar would be there to meet him, and they proceeded to the Obelisk, sat, offered fish and ate. This day was destined to be much different. At precisely (or so it is told) the exact moment of the anniversary of Sfânt Ayden’s death fifteen years ago, the Runes of the Obelisk began to glow bright. It was so bright that The Justicar and Rascal both held their hand (the one NOT holding the fish) against their eyes. A silhouette emerged from the light, standing before the Justicar and Rascal. The light faded back to nothing; before them stood a seven foot tall, Farseer Daedal with pure silver fur from head to toe. He wore a chainmail skirt; which looked to be made of silver, that came down to his knees; emblazoned upon the chest was a symbol of crossed hammers. Around his waist was a wide leather belt; the leather was black as onyx, the buckle appeared to be silver and had the crossed hammer symbol, with one exception; a daedal skull over the top. On his back, strapped cross ways, was a large Warhammer, it also appeared to be pure silver. A strange hammer shaped glow was also on his back, crossing opposite the Warhammer (Authors note: Accounts say it was a faint silver glow that could only be seen in near dark conditions after the initial sighting when he appeared from the Obelisk). After Rascal and the Justicar pulled down their hands that covered their eyes, the figure reached out grabbed the fish with both hands and wolfed them down. He looked at them both and said “More, I’m starving.” At this they both grabbed two fish each and reached them out. He took hold of them all, again wolfing them down, almost swallowing them whole. After finishing and catching his breath with a loud gasp, he looked down at them, pointed a knifed hand at them, saying “Where the hell am I, and who the hell are you two?…”

Several men sit around a fire talking after a long day on the road. Not much actually unifies them except for their numerous scars and the way their hands stay near their weapons. A big blond man is laughing at a joke he recently told, talking about the ‘horse faces’ and how they were slaughtered by the demons on the Sfânt Aydens day (or the Day of Fish as the blond man calls it.)

“I was there that day,” the man next to the fire says after a moment of silence.

“You’d have to be 97 years old,” the blond man says with a smile, but no one joins in. He’s new. The other men around the circle have heard this story before and simply wait expectantly.

“Amir, you were here first, weren’t you?” he says speaking to the oldest looking man in the group.

“I joined the Soldiers of the Silver Blade when I was fourteen years old,” Amir replies.

“Then then this fool…”

“He was already here.” Amir says. The blond man thinks it a joke and begins to laugh, but no one joins in.

“I was ten years old on that day. I lived in Northton.”

“Where’s Northton?” the giant says with a scoffing tone.

For the first time noticing the blond man the man next to the fire turns and looks into his eyes. Blondie recoils in shock. His eyes are pools of darkness that seem to reflect the stars. No, as he looks closer he notices that the stars he sees in that mans eyes are not reflections. It is as if he literally has stars in his eyes.

The blond man looks startled for a moment and then goes completely silent.

“I played hide and seek many times during my youth. My brother and his friends and I would play around the docks. We would avoid the ships coming in, but the docked ships were fair game.”

“That morning there were no ships in the dock. The flying ships were in the skies and the sea ships were out on the waves as the black ships moved toward the shore. Many have told their stories in the past, and I will leave those stories to them. My story is that of a ten year old boy. We watched the magic attacks with wonder. They were the best sky-art I have ever seen. My brother was telling a joke, much like yours, Jorge, when we saw him.”

“Saw who?” the blond man says, mesmerized.

“Mimir.”

Understanding floods into his face and he whispers, “Northon was on the North side of Balgor island.”

“I saw him for a moment up there in the sky. He traveled faster than an arrow and the moment before the impact I heard a woman’s voice in my head stating ‘Witness’ so I did.”

He stands up and thrusts his arms out to the side. No one makes a comment.

“There they were, the gods standing between so many people and destruction. So many could not be saved, though. I watched as the water rushed in upon us, my brother no longer laughing. Run he called to me, but I couldn’t I was to witness this, so I stood tall, unflinching as the water engulfed me, my town, and everyone I had ever known. I continued to stand there as everyone else washed away in the destruction of the first Mimirian Bomb. I watched the horror as those people died from the effect of that one act. It saved our world but ripped away our innocence.”

For a moment no one says a word and then Zvyozdniglaz turns and walks from the fire.

“That was him, wasn’t it, that was the general.” the blond man says.

“Yes, that was him.” Amir says.

“Is he telling the truth?”

“Well, you know our primary mission, right? The reason we mark from site to site and place to place?”

“To destroy anyone working on…Mimirian weapons.”

They all turn and look at the retreating back of an old man. A shiver passes through them as they really begin to realize how many died. Plus one. No-one who witnessed that much destruction survived it, even if his body continues to walk the earth.

‘The Tale of a Paradise Lost, involves the weaving of many skeins of fate,’ said the old man. ‘The story is one that has been written about, sung boldly, seen in plays across many an empire’s borders time and time again. Tis’ a tale that shall be talked about for years to come of stories told of heroes bold.‘

Looking at the children sitting around the fire for the seventh night of the week long festival in Kerata Kasaba, the old man began his story…

’100 years ago on a day not much different than today the world as we know it changed forever.’

The Equitregan children sat among the children of all races in the this suburban city of the great desert jewel of Galilee. The second generation born/created outside the crystal tombs that hid their grandsires. The old man began to spin the yarn of the ending of, Drodd the Deathsoul. Several of the children looked back upon the elders at the outer edge of the open stone theater that used enchanted blue crystal to make the old man’s voice resonate across the grand expanse.

‘… And up flew Sfânt Mimir till the sky became as cold as the winds of Uwa’te and his fur as the ice of the me land!’

Gasps from all of the children, four of whom were Ursen, when the part about the great BOOM that made the great Mimirian Crater. Many of the longer lived races had veterans of that engagement among the elders along the outside nodding to the Old Man’s veracity.

‘… It was during this time “Rascal the Eyebiter” and the Golem Knights of Korin Ithrik appeared on the beach alongside the Equitregans. Together with they battled the soulless automatons that shot light as strong as the sun from their mouths, and their Baal-rog aerial support!’

Many of the children with pets or young apprentices with familiars cheered and ROARED when the mention of the legendary Rascalion was uttered! Among the elders whispers began as to how old the man was that looked possibly Galvan in descent of his appearance. Words of Magnus the Bear were tossed about in hush tones among the veterans of Battle of Baalgor.

‘… And then the alarm went up from the entrance to Hall of the Soulstone. All of the attacks on Regnum, Baalgor Island, and the Golden Tower was a diversion to allow the Deathsoul to sneak upon the island!’

The Old Man paused and sip some tea deliberately leaving the children on the edge of their seats with a couple of young Daedal pups howling knowing the part about Sfânt Ayden was coming up. Among the elders stood a two Dwarven Warrior-Maidens that had arrived about midway through the story, one in royal armors brandishing a weapon mentioned in the stories! The Four Princes, which meant that, Queen Graegga, and her bodyguard, Thaness Vira were in attendance. The Old Man merely nodded his head toward the monarch and she and her bodyguard returned the nod which made the whispers run rampant as to the Old Man likely being Magnus, but he was supposed to be dead some 25 years ago!?!

‘… And then as Drodd the Deathsoul burst through the doors to the Hall of the Soulstone. Did Lady Leena the Grey, hit him with a curse of luck as the queen… ’ gestured the old man golden clad warrior queen, ’… Dropped the mightiest of blows upon the Deathsoul. Little did anyone know she had weakened him enough for Sfânt Ayden to gouge his eye out with his powers of the mind!!! ‘

His knowledge could only be boasted by a fellow veteran many of the survivors agreed. But whom was the Old Man?

’… Lo twas not enough to stop the Deathsoul from punching through the Sfânt’s defenses and allowing the soul stealing runeblade to collect the ghostly white blue essence of his soul! Within a second of the attack the Queen charged the two pushing them against the Soulstone as the Justicar of the time activated it. Master Tadje bound them to it using rope magic and the world was saved by those willing to sacrifice their lives for yours such as the Living Rune Weapons continue to do across the world… ’

Cheers went up as the story ended and the two dwarfs stepped forward to talk to the Old Man, he touched a heart shaped locket to his lips and vanished before their eyes. Thaness Vira wispered something to the queen and they soon left as the crowd parted for them.

It was six hours later and a continent away when they found the Old Man in a graveyard in Badenfeld. When they demanded to know whom he was he turned and revealed the graves he was standing over were Magnus and his wife Zarena.

“Then who are you?” she asked stepping forward with a tone that spoke – ANSWER ME OR ELSE.

"Very well, I shall reveal myself to you because “you” asked. The Old Man waved his hand and his clothing fell about his true form. “The pretty bird lady said I would be different and after your mom died of old age I would go on to fulfill my purpose. Until that day I have been charged to let none forget your deeds on that day. My guise of magic was to honor our friend.”

“You live in a brave new world and my hope is that it continues to be so with your all of your guiding hands.”

Every tale and legend has a beginning. This beginning starts with an end. The end of Chief Deputy Ambassador Ayden AnderWolf Hammerdon; loyal Son and Brother, loyal Daedal, loyal Fikir Tayfan, loyal student of the Inner Spirit, loyal Regnumite, and loyal Warrior of the Light. Gazhur Drodd had returned to fulfill his evil design of destroying everything that was true and good, all in the name of abolishing his mortal enemy; the Elves.

His return was foretold by many. Ayden and his fellow Deputies knew well of Drodd’s plans for the destruction of Regnum. They had dedicated (sacrificed) their lives to disrupting and foiling these plans. So they knew all too well that a final showdown would determine the destiny of Regnum and their own lives.

Drodd had returned on the day that was foretold, and he brought an army of horrific Demons, monsters and mechanisms to aid him in the destruction; demon vessels on par with the great Chaaya’s Quest, Baal-Rogs carrying soulless automatons that shot light as strong as the sun from their mouths. These were creatures most foul, but the citizens of Regnum were prepared. All had come together as never before. Elves and Dwarves stood shoulder to shoulder. The newly awakened Equitregan stood ready to give up what they had just achieved, freedom. All twelve of the countries of the Accord had representation on this day.

The Battle took its toll; all suffered losses, the Equitregan especially. The evil army though, took much greater losses. At first it seemed that they gained the upper hand. They landed the weird automatons on the beach and they destroyed many legions of fighters in the first volley. They had achieved a beachhead.

This didn’t last long at all. Great Brother Mimir (Author Note: This is the best translation of his current name and form. The Ursen language is made up of ideograms, so it is difficult to accurately convey the true meaning of what he is; the closest idea is that he is comparable to Sfânt Ayden. Interestingly the ideogram for Sfânt Ayden is very similar to Great Brother Mimir. He is represented by two crossed tree limb clubs with an Ursen face over the top of the crossed clubs. Sfânt Ayden’s symbol is two crossed hammers with a Daedal face over the top of the crossed hammers. These two symbols never existed before this day and are never used to describe any other known idea or entity. [ref. The life of Great Brother Mimir, the great Yggdrasil of Uwa’te] additional note: best translation of the title.), as he is known now, devised a plan to turn the tide. He sacrificed his body and spirit to rain holy destruction upon the evil army. He flew up into the upper heavens of Regnum, was imbued by the spirit of Uwa’te, and flung himself into the midst of the advancing horde. This created a massive energy discharge that had never been seen by any on this realm. This wave of energy destroyed nearly all of the vessels and beings that had come to destroy the world. It also created a great scar on Regnum’s face. To this day it is still called the Mimirian Crater.

This turned the tide back to our protagonists. This allowed the rest of them to concentrate on the whereabouts of Drodd and his inner horde. They met him inside the great rotunda that houses the Obelisk. Sfânt Ayden placed himself between Drodd and the Obelisk. Preventing him from his objective of reaching the Obelisk (This was Drodd’s goal, interestingly it was also the goal of the Deputies; for they knew that the Justicar could entrap Drodd in the Obelisk forever, thus ending his quest for destruction and dominance.). They focused on each other and began to fight one-on-one. Sfânt Ayden was able to draw blood from Drodd; this was thought to be near impossible. It was possible because of a mighty blow landed by Graegga Stonecrusher just before Sfânt Ayden arrived in the great rotunda.

Unfortunately, it was not enough. Drodd was able to get past Sfânt Ayden’s defenses and struck him with a truly evil Rune Blade. It stole his soul from his body. Witnesses told of an eerie, very bright white-blue aura that seemed to be pulled from Sfânt Ayden and into the blade. Some also said it was as though he let Drodd get in close, as though on purpose. That was when Graegga charged the ruthless Drodd, barreling him and herself into the side of the Obelisk. Master Tadje then used his great rope magic to bind them both to the Obelisk. Justicar Vitrandul then activated the Obelisk and Drodd was banished into the Obelisk for an eternity, with all that had upon his possession. Unbeknownst to all, this included the soul of Sfânt Ayden, which was trapped in the evil blade not destroyed by it.

Sfânt Ayden’s body was gathered up. It was cleaned and prepped for a special burial. Using the powers of the greatest Mages, Psychics and Druidic priests of the realm, his body was preserved and entombed in a giant blue crystal shard from the land of Fikir Tayfa. It was very similar to the ones that used to encase the Equitregan before their release.

His few possessions (everything he owned he carried on him) were willed out to his friends and family. Khallè the Ivory Sword was returned to the Equitregan. The two hammers that he started his adventuring with (mining hammer and war hammer) were given to two of his brothers Olcan (Warhammer) and Phalen (Mining Hammer). The Vilgard rapiers were given to his oldest Sister Waya, who wore them every day, even when she was tending to matters of the Family mine. His Shirn org blades were given to his youngest brother Eyolf. Warhammer Misery was returned to Queen Graegga, as she is now known; this last act cemented a lasting truce and bond between the Dwarves and Daedal, considering the Incident. His Vorlantis chain mail went to his brother Phalen and his Leather armor went to his brother Caleb. His telepathic ear cuffs, Ring of Eldritch, and Arudanni circlet went to his sister Tala.

(Authors side note): When she placed the Ear cuffs and Ring on they had a weird effect on her. She was known as a Nega-Psychic (ability to dispel and disrupt magic and psionics), but the combination of these two powerful pieces gave her a new strange power, limited telepathy. Those that she is closest to (friends and family that she has the greatest of bonds with), and the most powerful of psychics could communicate with her telepathically. This was unheard of by the greatest of Psychic scholars and they were never able to repeat this with other Nega-Psychics. This ability would go away whenever she took of either piece.

Master Chen Kwatltal received the Dwarven eye of the Mountain. Master Tadje Al’Qudura received the huge Fire opal that the Sfânt had in his possession. His Elven books of knowledge were given to Leena the Grey and she was instructed to have every one of the Deputies, his Family, and especially her familiar Rascal read the tomes, and to let anyone read them that she felt was deemed worthy. To Ambassador Bhoomi he gave all his private letters and diaries, and official correspondence, this was to help her understand the being that she entrusted with the title and responsibility of Deputy Chief Ambassador and Defender of Regnum. She was instructed to share all these letters and correspondence with his youngest sister Ingolf; for she needed to understand her oldest brother (his destiny and quest) even more and on a different level (OOC note: these letters and correspondence are all the player secrets that are on the character page for Ayden). The belt of Doom that he possessed was not accounted for; its whereabouts are unknown. The last item that he had possession of was a favor owed by Ambassador Prince Floki Sköll Von Jankmon. This favor was willed to Ingolf. What this favor is and what she did with it has never been determined (OOC note: Ayden did ask a favor of the Ambassador. This favor has yet to be filled. He is giving it to his sister to be fulfilled as asked by Ayden or one of her choosing).

After a very private funeral in his home town (Only Family, close Clan and close friends were allowed to attend); Sfânt Ayden’s entombed body was exhibited and paraded in every Capitol of Regnum. The journey started in Daeldondul; representing where he came from. The next stop was Fikir Tayfa; representing his beliefs. Then taken to the rest of the Capitols in order of when they signed the Accord; representing what he fought for. The final stop was the Golden Tower on Baalgor Island; representing the final battle. While being paraded, he was escorted by the Veba Guardsmen, the Royal Daedal Guard and Rascal, whom insisted on it (when asked why, he never, ever divulged). The procession was followed by separate coaches conveying his Family & Head Master Adalwolf Bardou Cuan; Grand Tsar Von Jankmon and the rest of the House of Tsars; The leaders of the Daedal House of Professionals, House of Commons & House of Justices; the Ambassadors to the World Counsel; and his fellow Deputy Ambassadors. There was an unknown small group of Daedal that followed the procession. No reports or accounts of who they were can be found, with the exception of a single account from a small daewulf (at the time) seeing a strange symbol of a Daedal skull with a weird eye on its forehead. This account is unconfirmed.

Transport between Capitols was done via Chaaya’s Success (as Chaaya’s Quest was renamed after being rebuilt), where he was prominently displayed on the bow of the ship; guarded every hour of the day by two Veba Guardsmen, two members of the crew, and two Royal Daedal guards. Rascal would stand with them as long as possible, even foregoing food. When he was very tired, he would ball up against the sepulcher. After all of the processions were complete, his sepulcher was taken back to Daedala and place in its final resting place, the capital catacomb where all the Tsars and most prominent heroes of Daedala are laid to rest. Several statues were commissioned of him. The largest is in place next to Ulrick Beodolf Mitran’s. A modest one stands in the center of his hometown. One is displayed in the golden tower next to one of Great Brother Mimir. The last one is on display in the Fikir Tayfan Capitol.

A very strange occurrence happened this first anniversary day of Sfânt Ayden’s death. Just before the break of day, at the great Rotunda that houses the Obelisk, a familiar looking raccoon showed up on the step’s, with a large smelly satchel, demanding entry. The guards knew him well, but refused him entry. He started to hiss and holler loudly at the guards. This started to attract attention of passes by. When the guards tried to detain him, the raccoon pulled out a rune weapon, hissing even louder. They balked at the site. They wanted him to stop, but did not want to harm him. They tried to reason with the small creature, to no avail. The Justicar then burst out of the doors demanding to know the meaning of such clamor. The guards started to explain, but he held up a hand silencing them at the sight of Rascal. He then held out his hand to the small being, inviting him inside. The guards were agape at this site.

Inside the Justicar said nothing, just followed him to his destination; the Obelisk. He stopped just short and sat down. He pulled a heavily salted, gutted, whole fish from his satchel, and seemed to offer it to the Obelisk, his tiny paw stretched out as far as he could reach. After a moment, he pulled it back and commenced to eat it. He looked up at the Justicar with huge saucer eyes. The Justicar looked back at him and sat next to him. Then they both proceeded to pull a fish from the satchel and offer it to the Obelisk. After another moment, they both ate the fish that they had offered. This continued for the entire day till the last crack of sunlight faded from the sky; pulling out a fish, offering it to the Obelisk, eating it whole. No words were ever spoken by either. The fish in the satchel lasted exactly long enough; not too much, not too little, the perfect amount for their ritual. All who happened to see this all thought the Justicar was losing his faculties.

The next year he showed up again, very early, but the Justicar was waiting for him this time. The same ritual as explained above was repeated exactly. They sat in front of the Obelisk at exactly sunrise; pulled out a fish, offered it, and then ate it. Speaking not a word. The amount of fish lasted exactly to sunset. This occurred year after year after year after year.

This day started the same as it had for the past one hundred years, Rascal showed up at the steps of the Grand Rotunda, Justicar Vitrandul was there to meet him, and they proceeded to the Obelisk, sat, offered fish and ate. Over the years many had heard about this and many tried to horn in on this strange celebration of the Sfânt. The two always refused, and the guards were instructed to keep the rotunda completely empty. This day seemd to be no different than the past 100, but it was destined to be much different. At precisely (or so it is told) the exact moment of the anniversary of Sfânt Ayden’s death fifteen years ago, the Runes of the Obelisk began to glow bright. It was so bright that The Justicar and Rascal both held their hand (the one NOT holding the fish) against their eyes. A silhouette emerged from the light, standing before the Justicar and Rascal. The light faded back to nothing; before them stood a seven foot tall, Farseer Daedal with pure silver fur from head to toe. He wore a chainmail skirt; which looked to be made of silver, that came down to his knees; emblazoned upon the chest was a symbol of crossed hammers. Around his waist was a wide leather belt; the leather was black as onyx, the buckle appeared to be silver and had the crossed hammer symbol, with one exception; a daedal skull over the top. On his back, strapped cross ways, was a large Warhammer, it also appeared to be pure silver. A strange hammer shaped glow was also on his back, crossing opposite the Warhammer (Authors note: Accounts say it was a faint silver glow that could only be seen in near dark conditions after the initial sighting when he appeared from the Obelisk). After Rascal and the Justicar pulled down their hands that covered their eyes, the figure reached out grabbed the fish with both hands and wolfed them down. He looked at them both and said “More, I’m starving.” At this they both grabbed two fish each and reached them out. He took hold of them all, again wolfing them down, almost swallowing them whole. After finishing and catching his breath with a loud gasp, he looked down at them, pointed a knifed hand at them, saying “Where the hell am I, and who the hell are you two?…”

These are excerpts from a well known historical tome concerning the life and times of Sfânt Ayden before, during and after his rise to historical figure

‘Gazhur Drodd is returning! Oracles, Wizards, and Psychics concur his arrival at Baalgor Island! Every non-critical member of the Guardian Armed Forces is being sent to defend our World from the Invasion emminent upon the 28th of Hordad. All non-military have been evacuated to the mainland!’ – Pigeon News & Accord Report ‘Gazhur Drodd is returning! Oracles, Wizards, and Psychics concur his arrival at Baalgor Island! Every non-critical member of the Guardian Armed Forces is being sent to defend our World from the Invasion emminent upon the 28th of Hordad. All non-military have been evacuated to the mainland!’ – Pigeon News & Accord Report

Chapter 1 of the Veda Equitregatu

In my many travels throughout this world I have found many fascinating artifacts that give quite a different history of our world than I ever dreamed possible. To think, the ancients of this world used to have great powers that they called ‘magic’. It is incredible to think that they were able to do the impossible, defying science and the laws of physics. I am unsure how they were able to do this or if any of this was even real. But one thing is indisputable, these accounts of ‘magic’ are repeated over and over again in the historic record. Now, it is true that the language of which the historic record was written has long died away. But, with the previous works of my colleagues in Haven City, Maddornland and Bukaran, Perishia; we have come to know much of this ancient language, aiding in the translation of the included document. This translation is as best as we know, with the science known today. I will allow you to judge whether or not this account is true history or just a story of fiction with in the tomes of legend.

Veda Equitregatu

Chapter 1

1 And it came to pass in the day of the reign of the Twelve Kingdoms in the Age of the Accords that darkness was throughout all the land.
2 Yea, an unholy stain had fallen upon Regnum threatening to extinguish the paradise set up by the Accords.
3 Destruction had already been seen throughout the land before Kadraveyah, which being interpreted meanth darkness that slithereth in the shadows, had returned to this world.
4 The twelfth kingdom of Fikiran Tahfeya, or Fikir Tayfa as it has been written, lay in disarray. Its cities of crystal had broken upon the release of Brahma’s Word.
5 Rash’ha Kerastal was now abandoned, and many of its inhabitants had gone to their grave.
6 If not for the heavenly crystal pillars and bluish courts, it would have been taken for as an utter wasteland.
7 And behold, men from among the people of the Accords came upon this destruction, having descended from their great vessel of the sky.
8 These men and women, being only five in number, and being charged by those who followed the Accords came in unto the desolate Rash’ha Kerastal.
9 And seeing the great destruction in the city of Rash’ha Kerastal and the land round about, one among them whose name was Bhuvana, she being one of the twelve ambassadors of the Accords, and being a Fikiran Tahfeyaite by birth, mourned and wept for her country and the loss of her people.
10 Yea, the city of Awala Az’gul lay in ruins, and the cities of Dhuwama’a Az’gul and Cheharma Az’gul had fallen, yea the city of Shee’awama Az’gul shattered and was broken, and the city of Penja’ama Az’gul had turned to dust, yea only the city of Shashama Az’gul now stood in the land along with the mighty spires of Rash’ha Kerastal.
11 And now behold, Bhuvana, who once being called Bhoomi took her compatriots to where the Word of Brahma were kept.
12 And lo, they did meet in astonishment the Dhruva Goda, it being in its mortal form before it became what it is today.
13 And the Dhruva Goda looked upon the bears of the Accords and knew them by name; and said to Bhuvana, Behold my lady, you have arrived in the crux of time to deliver these souls from Brahma’s Word.
14 Bhuvana, somewhat surprised in finding the city of Rash’ha Kerastal abandoned save the Dhruva Goda, said unto the ancient oracle:
15 Emerson, for she called it by the name that was known unto her, Why is it that we find you here?
16 How is it that you alone have come before the Word of Brahma?
17 The Dhruva Goda then said, Know ye not that I have been preparing? And I have know that all this should come to pass; behold, you know this to be true because I stand here at this place today; has it not been fulfilled as I have thought it to be?
18 Yea, Emerson, I cannot deny that you have seen these events before they unfolded, Bhoomi declared.
19 The young Gosai from among the five bearers of the Accords, he being named Tadje Al’Qudura, spoke openly to the Dhruza Goda.
20 Where then are these people, who have been kept by the Hand of Brahma? Are they safe? Have we come too late to save this nation?
21 The Dhruva Goda scoffed at the young Tadje.
22 Do you believe that I would be here if the time were late, Greenie? Said the Dhruva Goda: Know ye not that my visions are clearer than your visions, and my conclusions more concise than your conclusions?
23 Tadje answered, No.
24 Another bearer of the Accord, a great bear from the icy North, named Mimir moved passed the Dhruva Goda; beyond the turn of a pillared corner he beheld the vastness of whole people standing in the shadows.
25 And behold, all the five bearers of the Accords bore with astonishment as the gazed upon the Equitregum for they had been freed!
26 As they stood there in astonishment at their exceeding number, one among the Word of Brahma spoke;
27 Set thy mind at peace—and seek to be free, friends.
28 This being a greeting to which the Equitregum were accustomed.
29 The regal Equitregus continued:
30 Yea, be not afraid, nor astonished; for he sensed that they were somewhat astonished, for the Word of Brahma has come to pass: I am Singh; are you the ones who have fulfilled His Word?
31 The tall zvagana, which being interpreted meanth hound-man, spoke for the bearers of the Accords.
32 I am Ayden, son of Anders BengtWolf Hammerdon, on behalf of the Kingdom of Fikir Tayfa, the Academy of Inner Spirit, the Guardians of the Accords, and the Citizens of Regnum, we welcome you to this life: are you, Singh, the leader of this people?
33 Singh answered, I know not of what a leader is.
34 For being in the crystals from which they were freed there was no need for leaders or followers: they were at a state of oneness, where their minds were closely linked as one.
35 Ayden, the zvanaga, noted an Equitregus with a spiral-horn atop his brow in the center of his face. He pointed to the one and said,
36 Lo, I sense that that one giveth off a power stronger than the rest, for Ayden had such ability to feel the inner power of others; and he sensed this in the one with the horn.
37 The horned Equitregus seemed surprised that he was singled out, he spoke.
38 As to this time I was unaware of this power; for in the crystals we were neither greater, nor lesser. There was only us, and to us there was only Equitregum.
39 What do thee call thyself? asked Ayden to the horned one.
40 The Equitregus paused for a moment in pensive thought, then spoke confidently, I am Bhakura.
41 It was at this that Ayden noticed that he did not in truth understand the language that Bhakura, nor Singh had spoken: yet it was as if they spoke not to the hear, but to his soul; the zvanaga asked,
42 How is it that we do understand you, but cannot interpret the words we are hearing?
43 Bhakura answered, I do not know, save that we too do not understand the words coming forth from your mouths, only that which we feel in our hearts; it is this same feeling that spoke to us that you were friend and not one who follows Kadraveyah.
44 And who, saith Ayen, is this Kadraveyah of whom thou speakest?
45 And it came to pass that Bhakura recounted the tale of when Kadraveyah entered into the Vault of Brahma defiling the sacred veil that had been put in place; and thus it was that the snake stole the soul of one of their brethren, one whose name was said long ago, but never forgotten, whose name was Khalle.
46 I know of whom thou speakest both Kadraveyah, who is known as Gazhur Drodd a lord of darkness and a blight upon this world, and this Khalle who is my friend, Ayden said, For I and he are becoming one in bond.
47 And now Ayden impressed with the story of Khalle’s origin being told by his own people, pulled the ivory sword from its sheath, and showed the Equitregum the hilt made from Khalle’s horn; and the horn looked remarkably similar to the horn upon Bhakura’s head.
48 And now it came to pass that Ayden spoke as if with the voice of thunder, This is Khalle!
49 He then spoke the words of regret and gratitude as born to him through Khalle himself.
50 And when he was done speaking the word of Khalle the cavern whose walls were made of the same blue crystal in the seven cities of Rash’ha Kerastal, behold the cavern began to glow with a bright light.
51 Yea, the light grew brighter till it did pierce the very souls of the people.
52 And when the light receded, behold the people could see a man within the light as if standing in the air; and behold the man stood two heads taller than the great bears of the North.
53 And it came to pass that the man inside the light spoke; and when he spoke the walls round about began to vibrate, and were as if the crystals resonated with the same speech as the man inside the light; and behold, it were as if the walls did sing as a concourse from heaven.
54 Behold, I am He of whom it was entrusted to guard the way for this people, the children of Agu, yea the last of his creations;
55 Yea, I am He that provided mine hand to guide those who first came to this world from the world torn apart more than ten millenia ago; yea, it was I who protected them from destruction, and bought with a price their lives from the gods of death: and this I did for a wise purpose.
56 For behold, I am Wisdom, and Wisdom is of me; and I and Wisdom are one.
57 I have seen all of your hearts and have judged them to be worthy at this time;
58 And thus it is that I have come before you all: I am Brahma.
59 Upon this word, the Equitregum fell to their faces in worship and in thanksgiving.
60 And the five bearers of the Accords were, too, astonished and amazed by all they witnessed.
61 And it came to pass that Brahma did speak many more things unto them, yea many great amd wonderous things;
62 But we constrained to write more, for Brahma hath commanded it.
63 Yet it sufficeth us to say that he spake many things unto them, and they were filled with courage and hope.
64 And it came to pass that Bhuvana did receive great comfort from the words which Brahma did speak; for she had been greatly trouble by the great loss of her people.
65 And when Brahma did make an end of speaking and revealing much to the seed of Agu and the bearers of the Accords, yea, he did command them to go to the very place where Kadraveyah did enter this world in the days of the first era, yea even to the Isle of Bahalagoran; or as it was once called the Island of Ba’algor.
66 For Brahma did reveal to them that Kadraveyah, or Gazhur Drodd as he was called by the zvanaga, was bound to this place both in body and in spirit.
67 Therefore, it must needs be that the snake return to that spot.
68 And so it came to pass that Brahma return to his heavenly place leaving the five bearer of the Accords to lead the seed of Agu to battle against the son of darkness.

“Are you sure? We just went from the oven into the ice-box. Beyond that. I’ve never even felt this on a cloudless night in the deepest winter.”

“I think, as you right higher above the ground, the air thins out. As the air gets thinner I think it becomes colder.”

“The sun is still hot as ever.”

“That it is, Iggy.”

“The stars are beautiful. I’ve never seen them this bright.”

“I think that air has a tendency to make seeing them more difficult. It seems that way when you look out a long distance. The small details are less distinct the further you get from something.”

“You’re too smart for your own good, Mimir.”

“I don’t think it will matter much longer, Iggy. I doubt we’re going to be able to survive this one.”

.

.

.

“What will happen to me when you die?”

“I suppose that you’ll go to the afterlife most suitable to your belief system.”

“How can that be, Mimir, when I don’t believe I have a soul?”

“Of course you have a soul…”

“You don’t believe it either.”

“…”

“I hope there’s something after this, but I fear that there is nothing but darkness.”

“Uwa would not be so dismissive of one of her loyal servants.”

“I haven’t served Uwa, Mimir.”

“Of course you have, through me. We are serving her through our actions, and I feel as though existence would be pale without you. You’re my partner in crime after all.”

“I hope so too, Mimir.”

.

.

.

“What are you breathing?”

“I’m not breathing. It is beginning to be a strain, but I have been holding my breath.”

“We can’t hold our breath that long. The longest we have ever held our breath is a quarter of an hour.”

“Uwa will provide.”

“This is crap, Mimir. We’re killing ourselves and for what? What are we even doing?”

“Remember when the large boulder fell from the peak? If it had only fallen a little way, the damage would have been little. It fell a thousand feet and caused devastation at the bottom. I figure granting this coin the weight of a boulder will allow it to cause devastation on the enemy.”

“But you will daface Uwa in so doing.”

“I will pray for forgiveness then. What they will do is worse by far that what I do now.”

“But, you’ll die!”

“It matters not if I complete my task.”

“But…why?”

“My life is meant for this, that I give my life to save my friends. There is no greater calling.”

“You’re a fool, Mimir, but I guess I’m a fool too. I’ll lend you back what strength you gave me”

.

.

.

“We’re dying too quickly, Mimir. I can feel our fur beginning to break off and bits of our flesh…we’re not healing fast enough.”

“I know. Our healing is going to keep us breathing.”

“How far are we going?”

“Until the barge touches the beach.”

“Can we hold out?”

“We’d better. We only have one shot at this.”

“Let us focus.”

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.

.

“Stay with me, you’re beginning to wander a bit in your thoughts.”

“Oh, Iggy, I am so tired and the stars begin to go out. It is the end of existence.”

“Not now, Mimir. I love you too much to allow you to give our life in vain.”

“Iggy…”

“I’m a being, you told me so yourself. I exist external to you, so I can love you.”

“But you’re a man.”

“Am I? Men don’t have the monopoly on blinding rage.”

“…”

“Speachless?”

“How?”

“I’m as surprised as you are. It would seem that the closer we get to death, the more that I can understand myself.”

“…I can’t go on, I’m faltering.”

“Let me take over for a bit.”

.

.

.

“Mimir?”

“…”

“Mimir!”

“…”

“It’s just as well. I can’t see the beach anymore anyway. My heart is cold and the sun no longer shines. I’ll be there soon to join you. Hold a spot for me in your afterlife because our body is going home. I love…